Rob Helm

Rob Helm

Analyst

As managing vice president, Rob Helm covers Microsoft collaboration services and client software. His 25-plus years of experience analyzing Microsoft’s technology and strategy allows him to discern the company’s overall direction from the sometimes confusing and contradictory signals it sends to customers and the industry.

Rob previously managed the Directions on Microsoft analyst team and its database management systems, developer strategy, and embedded platform research. His 13 years of prior experience in the computer industry include research on advanced developer tools, optimization of cluster applications, design of network protocols at the University of Oregon, and design and implementation of databases for the U.S. Navy.

Rob received a B.S. in computer science and mathematics from the University of Puget Sound and an M.S. in computer science from the University of Oregon.

Latest Content by Rob Helm

  Roadmap
Updated: January 10, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Visio Roadmap for Visio software, which enables users to create and share business and technical diagrams.
  In Brief
January 8, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Visio Data Visualizer for Excel Retires Mar. 2, 2026 The Visio Data Visualizer for Excel retires Mar. 2, 2026.
  Roadmap
Updated: January 7, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Other Business Application Roadmaps Roadmap for Bookings, Forms, Sway, and other niche services bundled with Microsoft 365 plans.
  Roadmap
Updated: January 7, 2026 · by Multiple Authors
Desktop and Client Roadmap The Client Roadmap outlines the status and future directions of products for desktop and mobile computers, phones, virtual desktops and...
  Analyst Report
Updated: January 6, 2026 · by Rob Helm
Viva Packaging for Microsoft 365 Users Chart helps decide on license requirements and purchase choices for the Viva employee experience services.
  Roadmap
Updated: December 29, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Windows 365 Roadmap Windows 365 offers Microsoft-hosted Windows virtual desktops, which Microsoft calls Cloud PCs, that customers use and manage with the same...
  Roadmap
Updated: December 23, 2025 · by Rob Helm
BizTalk Server Roadmap Roadmap for BizTalk Server, Microsoft's application integration and business-to-business commerce software.
  In Brief
December 23, 2025 · by Rob Helm
BizTalk Server Ends in 2030 Customers should migrate off the BizTalk Server software by 2030, when all support ends.
  Roadmap
Updated: December 16, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Windows and Office Supportability Matrix Chart shows the current end-of-support dates for combinations of Office and Windows versions.
  Roadmap
Updated: December 16, 2025 · by Rob Helm
Windows and Office Supportability Matrix Chart shows supported and unsupported combinations of Windows, Office 365, and Office.